Study Examines Application of Cord Blood for Brain Trauma

Submitted by Adam Zuccato on Thu, 05/12/2011 - 11:06

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Centre (UTHealth) are investigating the use of cord blood in treating children who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. This pioneering study is one of the first of its kind, and will vastly help in the development of cord blood technology.

UTHealth is well-known for its dedication to stem cell research as the health centre has conducted a great a deal of studies on the matter, specifically in relation to brain injuries. The current study is being led by Charles S. Cox and will be performed in conjunction with the centre’s teaching hospital Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Ten children between the ages of 18 months and 17 years-old will be enrolled in the study. All children have suffered brain injuries within the past 6 to 18 months. Among children, the leading cause of death is trauma, most commonly caused by head injuries.

Recently, UTHealth completed  a study that examined bone marrow stem cells’ ability to treat children with brain injuries. The results were positive and the research team for the current study is hopeful that the result will be similar for the application of cord blood.
 

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-01/uoth-usc010411.php